CLASS 483 CAR TO BE RESTORED AT CRANMORE: Former Island Line Class 483, No. 129, previously London Transport 1938 stock DMS(A) No. 10229, arrived at the East Somerset Railway in August. It has been booked in by a private owner for restoration by Cranmore Traincare & Maintenance Services (CTMS). It was seen on August 22 at the end of the tanker sidings at Cranmore, awaiting its turn in the restoration queue. Set No. 483009 was stored out of use at Ryde depot on the Isle of Wight for some while, and was initially understood to have been disposed of for scrap. However, the other car, DMS(B) No. 229 (LT No. 11229), was noted in the yard of Reid Freight Services, Longton, near Stoke-on-Trent (RM May p99).
PETER NICHOLSON
EAST SOMERSET RAILWAY DMU RESTORATION COMPLETED: Class 108 Derby Lightweight DMU, comprising DMBS No. M51909 and DTCL No. M56271, has run on a number of occasions this season (RM June p95). Operated by the Mendip Traction & Rolling Stock Group, it has received full exterior and interior refurbishment, winning the Railcar Association’s ‘Railcar of the Year’ award for 2020. The two-car set, No. L231, has been finished in BR blue and is seen running the 11.45 service on August 14, near Mendip Vale station, this being one of the few locations clear of lineside vegetation Another Class 108 power car, No. 51497, was acquired in July from the Bodmin & Wenford Railway. It was being stripped of parts and this is continuing at Cranmore where the vehicle will become the group’s
workshop.
KEITH MARSHALL
THE little heritage railway at Bideford station, Devon, reopened on July 9 and is open for visitors on Wednesdays and Sundays 10.30–16.00. In addition to Covid-19, it has had to contend with the local authority wanting it to close so the site could be redeveloped. Such a threat has been hanging over the railway for many years, but came to a head earlier this year.
There was a huge amount of support and goodwill towards the railway, resulting in a change of mind. The reopening has attracted more supporters and local enthusiasm for the project.